Summer 2nd Goal...(Running Recap!)

Friday, June 28, 2013

I am back... BACK at running! After a month of no activity - beside going for walks with my husband... I was just too busy with work. I know it should not be an excuse, and it was not I just did not have a life any more!

And me body was telling me it is enough! So I am back to the basic and some self-care is NEEDED!

Here is my short Spring Running Recap!
After qualifying for the Canadian Forces Nationals at the Winterman 10k Run in Feb, I had to take a break to give my lungs time to heal. Getting back was not easy but I had a goal in mind - Competing in the Nationals!

I started training again in March, increasing the intensity and the distance slowly. I had a hard time keeping up with a training schedule but I managed to train a few time/week.
Even when I was on a short vacations in Houston (TX), I logged a 10k along the Bayou river and 8k the next morning on a path next to the hotel. It was nice to run outside and not being cold. Jeff and I also spent a full day of walking around downtown, we love discovering new places.

I made it to the Nationals - 25 May 2013! I was not at my best but I did MY PB!!!
It was a cool day (12C) and the starting time was at 6:30PM - I usually go for my runs in the morning or at lunch time. To accommodate, I changed my training schedule for the month of May and went for runs after work. I find afternoon runs more challenging - I don't have the same energy!

I was very nervous for this event (and it was my first event without my hubby... he usually travels with me). This race is HUGE! Close to 10 000 participants overall, 5559 female!

I was in the second coral ... My first km felt good - almost too good and was way too fast! (here are my splits: 4:06.8 /4:11.7 / 4:22.6 / 4:32.0 /4:31.7 /4:28.5 /4:40.4 / 4:49.9 /4:34.3 /4:37.5 )... I never run at 4:06/km pace! I thought I better slow down... So I ran "slower" without looking at my watch!... 4:11!!! If I would have tried to do that during training I would not have made it till the finish line. I think the only reason I did not quit is because I was wearing a jersey with the inscription "Canadian Forces" and being a proud military officer I had to keep pushing! And it was though!
I made it and as you can see I was very happy to receive my medal!
Not only a finishing medal but a GOLD medal - I won the Canadian Forces 10k - Master Female Category!
My official stats were:
Official time 45.21.06; F40-44: 9/763; gender 82/5559!

Three days after that event, I had to participate in a local race - 10K again! It was a fundraiser ... This time I was not so much in a competing mood! You can tell by the smile!
It was a very warm day and my goal was to finish 3rd! I knew I had a chance so I kept this in mind until the end... and I did!!! The girl who finish 4th overall was not too far behind me so whenever I was taking a short walk break, I did not have much room before she would catch me! I crossed the finish line in 46:45. I won bronze female overall and gave the prize money as a donation to the Relay for Life...

On the 7 June 2013 - I participated in the Relay for Life - A 12 hours walk-run to raise money to fight against cancer. I will post a recap soon...
I did 65 km that night... and since then, I was drained!

So I am back.
Goal #1 - As mentioned in previous blog is : Eating well! And I am doing great...
Goal #2 - Make the time for exercise - commit to the plan and Run!!!

- I signed up for the Army Run Half Marathon- 21 Sept.
- And I am determined to complete a full marathon - my first - this fall. I want to do the Rock and Roll in Vegas (November) but my hubby would prefer that I keep vacation time for fun together ... so I might have to do the Waterfront Toronto (October) or Niagara Falls (October).

So my plan is to follow the Hal Higdon Training plan for Full Marathon and go for walk every day.

Jeff and I are also going to the West Coast trail (in British Columbia) - a 90km hike /3 days very rustic camping... !!! I am very excited.